Christmas Truths
We are entering a most awkward time for those who are members of the fellowship the world knows as the Churches of Christ. As a fellowship we accept both the commercial and national implications of the day the world calls “Christmas”. Yet in most congregations we go to great lengths to make sure that we do not recognize this day from a religous standpoint. As a matter of fact we have made it a point of doctrine to let the world know we refuse to participate in celebration of this event. Is this a wise decision? More important do we have Biblical precident or right to bind this view as doctrine? Let us consider some basic Biblical truths.
First, the birth of Jesus happened. As we read the accounts of Jesus birth in the Gospels it becomes very apparent that Jesus birth was a special event. Scripture gives attention to the details of that birth. The birth of the Messiah was and is a Biblical event. The description of that birth is explained to us through the inspiration of none other than the Holy Spirit Himself.
Second, as the Holy Spirit describes Jesus birth, we see the recognition of the birth of the Son of God. In Matthew we find the account of the wise men. They sought Jesus that they might worship Him. As a result of their actions we find Biblical precident for celebrating the birth of the Christ child.
Third, even more important we read that God prepared a star to recognize the birth of His Son. In Luke 2:13 the Bible tells us that a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, paising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rest.” This shows us that even God the Father recognized and celebrated the birth of His Son.
For us to make laws forbidding the recognition of the birth of the Messiah is to make laws against the very intent of God Himself. Not only do we look foolish to the very ones we seek to reach with the Gospel. We stand in opposition to the reaction of the Father. God prepared angels to worship the Christ child at His birth. What God prepared the angels to do at His birth we forbid today. How foolish we must seem to the Father as we forbid the recognition of the very event God Himself celebrated.
dell kimberly
